Driver's Education
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Driver's Education or Driver's Ed is a class or program offered by independent agencies and most high schools in the United States, where students learn how to drive and practice road safety. During Driver's Ed courses, a dual-controlled car (with a brake pedal for both the driver and instructor in the front passenger's seat) is used. Students take Driver's Ed to supplement the knowledge from government-printed driving handbooks so that they will be prepared for the test to get their learner's permit or driver's license. Some car insurance companies also offer discounts to those students who have completed a Driver's Ed program. In some states, students taking Driver's Ed have the opportunity to get a waiver, which allows them to receive a learner's permit or driver's license without having to take their driving test. Successful completion of a driver education course is required by many state agencies before young drivers receive their driver license or learner's permit. Driver's Ed courses are now also offered through online education websites. Such websites offer an alternative to classroom courses, as some schools do not offer driver education due to decreased budgets.
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Some car clubs, such as the Porsche Club of America and PBOC Motorsports Club, conduct Driver's Education programs focused on how to handle an automobile under high-speed driving conditions, rather than on learning the rules of the road. These programs take place at road racing courses and include both classroom instruction and driving. Students drive with an experienced instructor until they are "signed off". At this point they can continue practicing and improving their skills without an instructor. DE programs involve multiple cars together on a racetrack, but they are not considered racing because they are not timed, winners are not declared, and drivers must wait to pass until the driver being passed gives permission with a hand signal. These programs require approved, up-to-date racing helmets and rollover protection for convertibles. Some also require long-sleeved shirts and long pants for fire safety. However, they do not require full rollcages, five- or six-point seat belts, fire extinguishers, fire-resistant racing suits, or other safety features seen in racing.
